Nintendo on Revolution worldwide launch: "We don't think it's necessary"
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Mar 27th 2006 at 1:55PM }
Speaking with
Bloomberg at GDC last week, Nintendo's Satoru Iwata seemed unfazed by Sony's recent announcement that
the PS3 will launch simultaneously worldwide. Iwata was clear about Nintendo's current stance, stating, "We don't
think it's necessary to do the simultaneous worldwide launch simply because others are doing this."Rather than play the tag-along, Nintendo continues to follow its own path into the next-generation. It's a good move, and further cements the concept that the Nintendo Revolution will launch in a unique gaming tier, diminishing direct competition with Sony and Microsoft's high-end platforms.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Conrad Quilty-Harper @ Mar 27th 2006 11:19AM
Nintendo is gonna piss off a LOT of gamers across the globe with this announcement - and I'm one of 'em. If they had come out with a legitimate reason (e.g. they're strapped for cash) then I would have understood, but instead they're effectively saying "screw you!" to the rest of the world.
Fan @ Mar 27th 2006 2:10PM
Simple reason - Nintendo does not have the logistics network that Sony or Microsoft has.
Instead of saying "We cant do that" they say "We dont see the reason for it". Of course theres a reason for a world wide launch.
Too bad if this will be standard for Revo games too. And Joystiq.. Saying this is a good move is just stupid. Why did you say that? If Nintendo had the resources to pull of a world wide launch they would have done it.
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Mar 27th 2006 2:11PM
Isn't there every reason to NOT do a worldwide launch? Instead you can release in markets as you're ready, making sure you have good supply for everything?
I'd think that staggered, well-supplied, well-planned launches would be highly preferable to some sort of simultaneous chokejob that means nothing to 99% of the target market, so I don't really get the big deal.
Paul @ Mar 27th 2006 2:12PM
As long as it comes out in North America before Christmas, I don't care what the rest of the launch is like.
Thomas Crymes @ Mar 27th 2006 2:12PM
Well, Nintendo just handed Sony the US market for this Holiday season (assuming Sony lives up to its release statement).
I have to believe that a lot of the people who might think this a good idea now, be a little irritated that they can't get their hands on a Revolution here in the states as soon as it launches in Japan.
Kye @ Mar 27th 2006 2:12PM
Dear Mr Harper.
Im sure Mr Iwata didn't mean Nintendo won't do a simultaneous world-wide launch. He probably meant that they will, but NOT because they are trying to play the "me too" game with Sony.
I hope.
Sincerely
Your friendly Neighborhood Kye
:)
draco @ Mar 27th 2006 2:16PM
Nintendo said earlier that it would be a near global launch within a period of 16 weeks.
you know the US will have their REVO by US thanksgiving (*opinion* CDN should get it by CDN thanksgiving ;))
this just leaves them open for a earlier then expected Japan launch, also europe will have it by christmas I think.
its only good news, why make the japanese wait just because Americans want dont want to be left behind. You can always import it, what would it cost to ship like 2$? the thing is tiny!
DDMC @ Mar 27th 2006 2:16PM
Right. Like Microsoft's simultaneous worldwide launch of the 360 was a raging success. Nintendo is doing a staged rollout with the DS and I don't think it is being hurt by it, and they are wise doing this with the Rev.
(But then again my idea of fun isn't camping out in front of Best Buy to be the first kid on the block.)
Paul @ Mar 27th 2006 2:16PM
Not Worldwide doesn't necessarily mean "Not in the US at the same time as Japan". I imagine it's Europe and Australia that are going to have something to complain about.
32_Footsteps @ Mar 27th 2006 2:17PM
Well, Microsoft screwed up the worldwide launch idea (didn't Australia get their first 360s last week?). Who knows if Sony can pull it off.
Maybe Nintendo is just playing it realistically. Besides, if the initial launch happens simultaneously in the US and Japan, that's not a global launch, but it's good enough for me.
Craig @ Mar 27th 2006 2:28PM
I have full faith that Nintendo will in fact stick to their plans of world-wide domination in a 16 week window. I believe that they will get it to us by Thanksgiving here in the states because if they don't they lose. Well, not exactly lose, but, if they don't get this thing out for the holidays, they will lose a whole shit load of revenue and they know that. It goes along the lines of what every other person here.
The Mole @ Mar 27th 2006 2:30PM
All this is saying is that they aren't going to launch worldwide at the same time, which is probably a good thing considering how huge the Nintendo DS is selling in Japan right now. Think about it, they can't even make enough old Nintendo DS systems let alone the new DS Lite. So, what will they do? I'd venture to guess that they will maybe launch in Japan(and possibly the U.S.) in the summer, but it will be a staggered launch (maybe 2-3 months apart). Europe and other areas will maybe see the Revolution by fall. I think after the success of the DS and the DS Lite, Nintendo is going to be very careful to make sure they have a few million Revolution systems ready for launch.
n3rrd @ Mar 27th 2006 2:31PM
Nintendo doesn't have the logistics network that Microsoft and Sony have? I don't know where you've been for the last few months, but this whole worldwide X360 launch didn't go all that smoothly. They still aren't readily available in most places. My store hasn't had one for regular sale yet.
Sony is providing the world with one million units. The numbers just don't work out in the consumers favor. At best, America will be getting 400,000 of that 1,000,000 units. I would assume the number would be about 300,000.
The worldwide launch idea is flawed. You cannot possibly get enough units out into the various regions to make people happy. If you break the launch into sections, you can supply the launch region with a more realistic number of units in the first month.
Jesus Christ, you people whine about everything.
gman @ Mar 27th 2006 2:33PM
i can't believe people are angered by this?
Nintendo is taking the foolproof road thereby keeping the risk of a f**ked up launch to a minimum. We saw the 360 shortages...there's your launch. Nintendo doesn't want that to happen. It's a much easier way to keep shortages low and costs down by doing a staged release. Easier on everyone. Keep your friggin pants on and wait a few months...
Andrew @ Mar 27th 2006 2:39PM
I must agree whole heartedly with Draco, Canadian's should be entitled to get our Rev's at our Thanksgiving.
I'd be willing to bet that if Nintendo doesn't do a world wide launch, it'll be for the sake of not repeating Microsofts shortages issues. A staggered launch would be less difficult meeting demand for their manufacturing plants. In essence they're wouldn't be putting all their eggs in one basket. So to speak.
J B Cougar @ Mar 27th 2006 2:43PM
Some people jummped the gun with their comments on this one, no? If this announcement pissed you off, then you aren't the kind of gamer anyone should be worried about pleasing.
First off, if Nintendo was taking notes when MS did their launch, they would have seen that a global launch is hard to pull off -- and this was Microsoft! They bathe in money every night! So far, NOT doing a global launch seems like the most intelligent decision in the world. I don't want my system to suffer from bugs or scratched discs ro heat problems just because some impatient gamer wanted his system NOW NOW NOW!
In fact, to the educated and level headed gamer, this announcement is EXACTLY in line with everything Nintendo has done to date. They just don't care to get into this pissing contest with MS and Sony. Perhaps they've taken a page from Sun Tzu, and they are using the enemies strengths against each other. Just look at the press releases from Sony and MS, and the coverage by the gaming magazines. Nintendo gets barely a mention. And yet, here they are, packing conferences and creating a huge, genuine buzz -- without a hardware spec or threat against their competitors in sight.
Also, I'd ask this simple question: How many people who comment on Joystiq have been involved in a worldwide next-gen hardware launch? What? No one? Just because you think Nintendo should give you your Revolution on your own timetable, and that it sounds good to you, does not mean a company with a hundred years of history has just "pissed off a LOT of gamers across the globe with this announcement." Really?
What's a lot? Like just you? Nintendo didn't hand anyone anything with this announcement. In fact, I'd argue nothing has changed at all.
Annoymous @ Mar 27th 2006 2:44PM
Once again typical extreme fanboy comments. Not having a worlworlde launch again shows nintendo dont care about european gamers. Thats me. I have been screwed over from nintendo everytime. Whenever other people around the world are enjoying there nintendo machines me the uk citsezen, is bieng told dont worry 'maybe next year'. Legend of zelda wind waker. i wanted that game so bad, but when i saw the delay! i had to fork out 40 quid for a freeloader and 40 for the game. Winning elven 6 fe. this game was only released on japanese nintendos. WHY? we europeans looooove football, and yet im forced to go to ebay to pay 70 quid for a game that european xbox and ps2 owners get easily. then the animal crosiing disaster, why?? what is the point!. Now i got a ds. What a console! now its time for the games.... So im waiting for animal crossing? whats that! a 6 month delay for uk. Even australia get it NOW. Then metroid prime hunters. 2 months!! anyone who has played an online fps game knows that by 2 months youll never be good enough to compete. from the snes to gamcube nintendo dont care about europeans. the only time we get good is when rare as an british company let us have PerfectDark before japan, which wernt a suprise since japanese dont even really like fps. Then remeber the expansion pack crisis!!!!!!!! because of this i could never play majoras mask or perfect dark in single player. You get my point! nintendo hate me why! its more than just losgistics problem. nintendo seem not to care. they feel the japanese should enjoy everything before me WHY??
Even if your worldwide launch is flawed. It shows you care, shows you at least want people to have the oppurtunity, with nintendo there is no possibilty. Thats why i want worldwide launch. not some empty promise 'oh we cant do it cause we look like copy cats' PLEASE!!! thats not an excuse, that plain LYING.
Im nintendo fanboy as you can judge and i know when im bieng treated poorly.
They best make the wait worthwile!! (i know they will :))
Miharu @ Mar 27th 2006 2:45PM
Xbox 360 "worldwide launch", yeah right as it was just released in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. I want to get a Revolution ASAP but don't want to wait 3-6 months after US to get it.
jay @ Mar 27th 2006 2:47PM
I'm still amazed at people thinking that Sony can actually make a simultaneous launch world wide. where the hell have you people been?
it took NINE FRACKING MONTHS for the PSP to come to the UK since its Japan launch. A system with plentiful technology too.
No way in sweet jesus is the PS3 going to hit every country on the same day. Especially not for a system that is going to sell out fast, like any other console launch.
Rev will be in every country before the end of 2006. The PS3 will be in Japan. I can't see how anyone can say otherwise. Since when have Sony ever delivered on time? Since when have people actually believed what Sony have said? (emotion engine, PS3 way more powerful than 360 -not according to Hideo Kojima, 4D games, blahblahblha)
Not to say I won't get one. but seriously now. a short worldwide launch window is feasible for Nintendo. not simultaneous.
that guy @ Mar 27th 2006 2:47PM
To all you tools who think this is a bad idea: read and then re-read what #11 and #12 wrote.
All you freakin' people care about is getting a system out as soon as possible. Microsoft did that with the 360 and look at all the problems they had (they had a LOT).
A non-worldwide launch is a GOOD thing. It means that different regions will get a decent supply of Revolutions and there won't be a horrid backload like the 360 had and like the PS3 will likely have. Plus, do people forget how reliable Nintendo systems are? I don't know how many times I've accidentally dropped my DS and it works as perfectly as the first day I bought it.
I'll quote it one more time because I couldn't have said it better myself:
"Keep your friggin pants on and wait a few months"
Fan @ Mar 27th 2006 2:53PM
@ #11 n3rrd
"Nintendo doesn't have the logistics network that Microsoft and Sony have?"
NO NINTENDO DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME LOGISTICS NETWORK THAT MICROSOFT AND SONY HAS.
WHILE MICROSOFTS PROBLEMS WERE RELATED TO PRODUCTION AND NOT SO MUCH LOGISTICS MICROSOFT DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE AS SONY SHIPPING HARDWARE AROUND THE WORLD.
IM NOT DISSING NINTENDO IM SITING FACTS. SONY AND MICROSOFT ARE HUGE MEGACORPS 100 TIMES BIGGER THAN NINTENDO FOR BETTER AND WORSE. PLEASE REMEMBER SONY AND MICROSOFT ARE NOT ONLY IN THE CONSOLE BUISINESS.
QUIT BEEING SO DAMN SENSITIVE OK? THIS IS THE BEST EXCUSE THEY COULD COME UP WITH. IF THEY MISS THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IT WILL BE A BLOW TO NINTENDO BUT PEOPLE WILL LIKELY BUY ONE AT A LATER TIME ANYWAY. I KNOW I WILL
THANKS
Gonzo @ Mar 27th 2006 2:54PM
I'd be surprised if the Revolution's US release date streatches past xmas 06.
That would be a really bad move.
ALH @ Mar 27th 2006 2:57PM
*rolleyes*. As much as im looking forward to getting a revolution, stuff like #16 said is the exact reason i STILL havent bought a non-handheld nintendo console. I really want to be part of the revolution, but dont like the idea of having to wait ages for games while you americans rant and rave about how fantastic they are.I've had enough of that to last me a lifetime with the katamari incident.
Heres hoping for a region free rev huh.
akira @ Mar 27th 2006 3:02PM
Why do a worldwide launch, when you can just launch in one region at a time, save on shipping costs, and still get every unit sold? Plus unlike MS (which couldn't launch worldwide anyway), Nintendo is still making and selling other gaming systems as well. They still have all those portables to make (yes I know that Nintendo doesn't physically make them), and ship. It just seems to make more sense to launch by region and take the time to do it right. I'd rather wait for the ability to just go to the store and get one, than wait in line just for them to tell me to come back in 3 months.
n3rrd @ Mar 27th 2006 3:06PM
Dude, two words: "caps lock".
Craig @ Mar 27th 2006 3:12PM
I agree with #19. All of my Nintendo systems have fallen, been punched, stored away for 5+ years, and yet they still tick. I have the original NES, the gameboy incarnations, 64, all that I must have dropped a million times as a kid, even found games on the street in the rain and dirt, and still have been able to play them. That's another thing I love about Nintendo products, they're tough.
I wish I could say the same thing about PS and MS, but I've had those break from simply being played to long, or just by sitting in the entertainment center the wrong way.
Fan @ Mar 27th 2006 3:12PM
"caps lock" is cruise control for cool. like me and my sexy body
Brock @ Mar 27th 2006 3:21PM
Ok... since Nintendo is apprently to ready or willing to try and release the Revolution because they apprently haven't planned ahead or are tight on cash or don't have something done... they decide to keep their noses up in the air saying they aren't even going to compete they are so good and say, "we don't find it necessary." aka. "oh snap... we are skrewed, i hope they don't buy everybody else's first, let's just say we don't find it "necessary to follow the competition'" Good one Nintendo.
Jonn @ Mar 27th 2006 3:24PM
>16. Once again typical extreme fanboy comments. Not having a worlworlde launch again shows nintendo dont care about european gamers.<
Or black people.
Annoymous @ Mar 27th 2006 3:26PM
Number 24 dose comments are uneeded. It is completely besides the point of the post. Besides the xbox has taken a bullet!
http://forums.advancedmn.com/showthread.php?t=519
The story was also run on my favourite games magazine EDGE. aswell as ign and gamespot.
Thomas Crymes @ Mar 27th 2006 3:29PM
For those people who aren't familiar with terms.
In this instance, everywhere probably means Japan, US, Europe (in that order). Microsoft launched everywhere in about 3 months. Sony seems to be indicating simultaneous launches in all three territories at the same time. What they are attempting is more difficult than what Microsoft did with a more complicated console.
Nintendo said they won't launch everywhere, but what exactly does that mean? 6 weeks in between? 6 months in between. Is Nintendo going to lose the U.S. 2006 XMas market?
I'd like to know.
Spike @ Mar 27th 2006 3:45PM
Lets see the facts for now.
Nintendo have repeatedly said, "in US by thanksgiving" and i dont have the slightest doubt that they will deliver. The holiday season is important and Nintendo knows this.
Next, will be japan. Why second? Because the holiday period there begins from mid-december and because they can afford being late there.
January-March 2007 is when Revo comes to Europe. The March is the deadline because they need to launch the console before the end of the fiscal year.
So, there you have it. A launch that resembles the DS in almost every aspect.
4 months difference sounds like a worldwide launch to me.
dotun.o @ Mar 27th 2006 3:47PM
IMO, Nintendo may not have the means for a worldwide launch, but I won't fault them for this. Even MS did not do this and there were still shortages in North America. Sony is a global electronics company so they may be able to pull this of. I think it's better to launch per region with sufficient or near-sufficient units than simultaneously with shortages everywhere. And I think more consideration should be made for Europe; seems they often have to wait too long for certain games. The wait period should be reduced and one hopes this will be the case with the Revolution.
chris3116 @ Mar 27th 2006 3:47PM
If I remember correctly, Nintendo didn't plan at all a worldwide release of Revolution. If I remember, Jim Merrick said once that the release will have a time frame of 14 weeks after the initial release.
D dogg @ Mar 27th 2006 4:02PM
Nintendo is a business... not your relative, friend, girlfriend, etc.
Do they really have to explain why they can't do something? Seriously EMO's, settle down.
"I'm a consumer, I demand..."
STFU and stop demanding. You're a consumer, buy something else. Buy clothes, but a PC game, buy your mom a f**king card and say you care. Buy a REVO when it comes out if you still want it.
For the love of GOD... gamers... stop crying so god damn much. It's damn embarrassing to say I'm a fellow gamer when so many of you are portraying us as whiney little bastards and demanding s**t.
Varian @ Mar 27th 2006 4:28PM
Nintendo is smart! Here is why:
-Worldwide launches almost insure shortages. This devastates retailers. Retailers are not happy with the Xbox 360 or Microsoft at ALL.
-Working your territory correctly. You sell more units and are more efficient at your marketing by doing it this way.
-You sell more consoles this way. Many people who wanted a Xbox 360 couldn't find one in stock and eventually changed their mind. The window of opportunity closed.
Peter Moore has said that he does not want Microsoft to undergo another worldwide launch again due to all the problems they have had.
n3rrd @ Mar 27th 2006 4:28PM
Why do people keep saying that Sony will be able to pull it off? They've already announced the first months shipment numbers. One million units. One million units between ATLEAST three regions (Japan, US and Europe). One million units for three regions is pathetic!
Look at the sales units for the PS2 in the first few weeks of launch in Japan and tell me how their number looks reasonable?
JRM @ Mar 27th 2006 4:39PM
I agree 33. Nintendo, MS, and Sony are businesses. They look out for themselves and make money off of the consumer. They all believe consumers are no better than lemmings and will buy their products no matter what. The difference is this though:
MS & Sony's Mentality: Let's make an immediate release of shotty consoles and let the consumers fight over 'em!
Nintendo: Let's give the consumers a good console, but make them stand and wait outside until we're good and ready.
Fan @ Mar 27th 2006 4:43PM
@ 35 n3rrd
"One million units between ATLEAST three regions (Japan, US and Europe)."
Eh no, thats 1 million units PER region per month. Thats 6 million units over 2 months(november, december). But of course shortages are unavoidable.
n3rrd @ Mar 27th 2006 4:47PM
No, Fan. That is one million per month until March 2007, which is the end of Sony's FISCAL 2006 year.
And I quote...
"Updates 4 & 5: IGN confirms PS3 worldwide launch in November for "the North American, Asian, and European territories." In addition, Sony will release "one million units per month [after launch; sorry for any confusion this may have caused] with a total of six million units in 2006 alone. Production numbers are higher for PS1 and PS2 in their initial years." Update 18: The 6M unit total will "be produced in Fiscal Year 2006 (through March 2007)"
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/15/ps3-press-conference-it-begins/
Fan @ Mar 27th 2006 5:01PM
@ n3rrd
Wow that sucks. That means there will be a total of 2 million units available on launch in november over all regions.
(2mil(nov) + 1mil(dec) + 1mil(jan) + 1mil(feb) + 1mil(march) = 6mil total)
Oh and Europe should get more units than the USA since we are more people. Fair is fair.
Finalboss @ Mar 27th 2006 5:04PM
What I'm not understanding is where in the article does it explicitly state that Japan, North America, Europe, or Australia is getting the Revolution first.
n3rrd @ Mar 27th 2006 5:10PM
Yeah, it does suck. It sucks because, a. I can't count, and b. two million units still isn't very many for a world wide launch. Assuming that it's a shipment of two million units, completely free from defects, it may not be too bad. Following history leads me to assume that there will be problems with the shipment anyways.
martinj88 @ Mar 27th 2006 5:11PM
well it's guaranteed nintendo will launch in japan first because the 360 is week and the PS3 wont be out yet
EU might come second this time because nintendo WANT non-hardcore gamers to play the rev and EU has the largest amount of them
brett @ Mar 27th 2006 5:30PM
> will launch in a unique gaming tier, diminishing direct competition with Sony and Microsoft's high-end platforms.
Ha! What a euphemism. That's like saying the Yugo launched in a unique automotive tier, diminishing direct competition with Ford and Toyota. Or, you could just say it is going to suck.
Paul @ Mar 27th 2006 5:42PM
I severely doubt EU will come second, mainly because localization for Europe is always the most difficult, and they have completely different TV and electronic systems.
striegs @ Mar 27th 2006 6:21PM
I empathize with all the pissed-off European gamers out there, because if Nintendo told me that I'd have to wait until a year past the launch of the Revolution in Japan to walk down the street and lay down the cash for one, I'd be more than a little angry myself.
However, you must understand that there are very good reasons why such delays are necessary. The differences between the NTSC television standard used by Japan and the US and the PAL standard used by Europe is one example, although this particular difference may diminish as HDTV standards are universally adopted.
Of course, the diverse language barrier is another enormous hurdle to overcome. I don't envy the man whose job it is to translate the thousands of lines of text in Animal Crossing into Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Swahili, and each of the numerous other languages that are spoken in Europe. It's unfortunate that those who reside in the UK are forced to wait to receive a title when the game has already been translated into English (albeit an English with far fewer instances of the letter "u"), but geographically you're still a part of Europe. If you were really that impatient, you'd take up Japanese and find yourself an apartment in Kyoto.
Finally, the hardware itself must be changed for the European market. While your average outlet in the US and Japan doles out 100 volts and 120 volts, respectively, European outlets supply 230 volts of power. When you're just beginning production, the fewer versions of a console that you have to produce, the faster you can make them.
Nintendo isn't deliberately trying to ignore Europe. From a business standpoint, it makes sense to put off the adaptation of games and consoles for the European market until you have adequate resources to do so. Just as with any hardware launch, rest assured that 100% of those consoles will find their way into the hands of happy customers. It just so happens that those hands are thousands and thousands of miles away.
You can't please all the people all the time, and Nintendo knows this. Instead of attempting to get a small number of consoles into the hands of a very small number of people, they're focusing on their primary markets first and foremost and taking on the rest when they have the chance. It may be weeks or months between the Japan and US launch dates, and it may be even longer before it ever sees light in Europe. So be content and take your time enjoying the final throes of the current console generation before immersing yourself in the next.
slow news day @ Mar 27th 2006 9:04PM
Microsoft's ambitious plan to release worldwide, while although interesting if they could have pulled it off, instead only frustrated those who could not get consoles where they were most wanted and instead offered too many consoles where they were least wanted. I think a staggered roll out by territory would have gone off a lot more smoothly. Sure Microsoft will point to component shortages are the real issue, but you have to account and plan for problems such as that. I also believe if you stagger the roll out, those that receive the consoles later, will have much better launch selections.
brandon @ Mar 27th 2006 10:05PM
Worldwide lauches take strong supply lines. It also takes a company making a large amount of consoles per month. Sony said they are reserving twice the number of units of blu-ray content for the US than in Japan and other territories, so I would guess the distribution of the system itself will weighted in the US's favor as well. Nintendo may launch here first, since this is the biggest market to deal with, then Japan.
Fa1kor @ Mar 28th 2006 1:05AM
This might be a topic on its own but what's up with all the HATE toward Nintendo by some people. Nintendo has been on a role lately but they still can't seem to do anything right in the eyes of some Hardcore Microsoft or Sony Fans. I'm getting tired of seeing remarks like "you Nintendo fan boy" when someone points out a positive that Nintendo is doing. And it is really sad when I have to read "For the record I am not a Nintendo Fan boy" in the beginning of an article that praises a Nintendo decision by some industry professional.
I kind of have a feeling that these "haters" might be coming more from Microsoft's camp. I remember reading in a business journal that Microsoft wished it could attract more of the causal laid back gamers that Sony has compared to their more passionate hardcore fans.
Nintendo NOT doing a world launch is a smart move. Microsoft probably had the best resources to pull it off and failed.
Also who knows for sure who is going to get the Revo first? I was under the impression that the DS was launched in the US first before Japan. I am in the US and I am patiently waiting for Final Fantasy 12 for the PS2 and bust a move for the DS. I don't think complaining about not being the first to have any particular game is very healthy.